Concert Review: Thaddeus Anna Greene at Bad Racket Studios
Last Thursday, Bad Racket hosted a solid lineup of folk and psychedelic rock & roll to celebrate the release of Thaddeus Anna Greene‘s new album, Directory of Thieves.
Kicking off the night were Hive Robbers from Kent. With a full arsenal of your usual folk stringed instruments (guitars, mandolin, acoustic bass, banjo) and some audience participation on bongos and tambourines, Hive Robbers pulled off a fun, soulful performance. Peppering in an all-percussion blues number and switching between two vocalists, they avoided the lull that many, less varied folk bands fall into.Next up was Dave Hammer’s Power Supply. I’ve come across DHPS a few times now, and they always put on a fun show. They’re a musician’s band — all three members are highly adept at their instrument, but not in a way that would suggest that they formed a band to show off. The drummer mixes rock and jazz styles into a locked-in groove; guitarist Dave Hammer shreds a Fender Strat in both overdrive and clean tones. The bassist is an effect pedal junkie, achieving atmospheric, organ-like sounds while still laying down great bass lines.
When Dave Hammer’s Power Supply was done, the room started to buzz. Thaddeus A. Greene had plenty of friends and family at the show, but you could tell that even the people who came for Hive Robbers or DHPC had listened to Greene and were getting excited. Greene wasted no time; he thanked everyone for being there, and the band launched right into it. Matthew Augusta with the driving basslines, Anthony Foti with the fervent drumming, and of course Thaddeus Greene with his searing Stratocaster.
The band played through most of their new album, “Driving Dr. Gonzo” being an early fan favorite to set the stage. Blues numbers like the rumbling, pulsing “Billy Goat Blues” and “Midnight Snow” had the crowd swaying, while the heavier, faster songs like “Fast Times at Eddie’s” had some audience members straight up freaking out. While the band played plenty straight off the album, there was plenty of jamming, of course. With a guitarist like Greene, it would be disappointing to not hear at least a couple face-melting jams. At the end, when asked for an encore, Greene invited up Dave Hammer to accompany him on a rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House,” with DHPS’s bassist also joining them. It gave both guitarists the opportunity to really let loose, giving a great show a grand ending.
Check out Thaddeus Anna Greene at The Beachland Ballroom on July 12, opening for Black Taxi and The Modern Electric. Also, the band is in a contest to open up this year’s Roverfest. Not only will they get the opening slot, but they’ll net $1000. Cast your votes HERE. Voting ends June 28.
Photos courtesy of Philip Botta
